FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nearly 20 faith groups will come together for the first annual Ozarks Festival of Faiths from 6:30 to 9 p.m. January 28, at the Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Drive.
A variety of faiths will be represented, including Christian denominations. Also participating are Buddhist, Hindu, Bahai, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Unitarian and Native American groups. All faiths are welcome and should contact Deanna Carpenter, community coordinator with the Have Faith Initiative, at [email protected] by Jan. 2 to participate.
Organized by the Have Faith Initiative and Interfaith Alliance of the Ozarks, the event is free and open to the public.
“In an effort to combat divisiveness and polarity, The Have Faith Initiative and the Interfaith Alliance have partnered to bring the Ozarks together,” said Carpenter. “This is a celebration of faith and unity. As we come together, let us focus on working side by side to assist with bettering our community. In 2023 we will be working with the city and nonprofits to tackle some of the city's biggest issues of mental health and the underserved. Come join us in this effort! Be a part of making our community better by linking arms with others. Let your inner faith shine and make a difference.”
The event, bearing a theme of “Unity,” will feature a gallery of children’s artwork, performances by adult and children’s choirs, faith displays and a candlelight vigil with the mayor.
“Come learn about what people believe in the Ozarks and find out what you have in common with your neighbors,” Carpenter said. “ You might be surprised to learn that we are more alike in our beliefs of how to treat others, how to treat our earth and doing good than what the differences are.”
Flat 8x10 art submissions from children up to age 12 will be accepted until Jan. 22. Artwork will be hung with binder clips and can be made with the artists’ medium of choice.
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For more information, visit https://havefaithinitiative.org/ or fill out this “contact us” form at https://havefaithinitiative.org/contact-us/.